Isle of Arran – Scotland Info Guide Sitemap Isle of Arran Arran is an island off the west coast from Ayrshire and is often referred to as Scotland in miniature. In the south of Arran you can find fertile valleys, meadows and prehistoric ruins. The north of Arran is very different, tall mountains and deep valleys where deer rule, combined with very picturesque villages in the North and East on the beautiful shores of the Firth of Clyde. Arran can be reached by ferry from Ardrossan on the mainland to Brodick or from Kintyre, the Claonaig to Lochranza Ferry. Lochranza Lochranza is the ferry terminal for the Claonaig ferry and Lochranza is home of Lochranza Castle which is situated on a promontory in the middle of Loch Ranza. The original building dates to the 13th century when it was owned by the MacSweens. In 1262, King Alexander III granted the castle and its lands to Walter Stewart, the Earl of Menteith. It is believed that Robert the Bruce landed at Lochranza in 1306 on his return form Ireland to claim the Scottish throne.

By 1371, the castle has become the property of Robert II. During the 1490s, James IV used the castle in his campaign against the Macdonalds, the Lord of the Isles. In 1614 it was occupied by James VI and in the 1650s it was used by Cromwell. By 1705, Lochranza Castle had become the property of the Hamilton family who owned other estates on the Isle of Arran. During the 18th century, the castle fell into disuse and disrepair. Arran Distillery When you follow the A841 towards Brodick you first pass the Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd. on the right. Arran Single Malt is a Single Malt Scotch whisky distilled by the Arran Distillery, the only distillery on the Isle of Arran. Arran Distillery was founded in 1995 and is the first legal distillery built on the Isle of Arran in over 150 years. The water for the malt is from Loch na Davie. The distillery of the Isle of Arran was founded by Harold Currie, former director of Chivas.

The spirit produced in the distillery has officially been called “whisky” since the summer of 1998. To celebrate this event, a limited bottling has been released, to restore an ancient tradition. There used to be about fifty distilleries on the island, but most of them were “moonlight” or illegal distilleries. Brodick Brodick is the main village on the Isle of Arran, with tourism providing much of the village’s economic base. Brodick’s population was 621 in the 2001 Census. It is set on the eastern coast of the island, roughly in the central section. It sits below Goat Fell, the tallest mountain on Arran, and in Brodick Bay. The name is derived from Norse roots meaning “Broad Bay”. Renting boats, mini golf, bike hire, fishing, bowling, supermarkets and other shops can be found here. A trip to Holy Island is possible from Brodick (only in the season). The Paddle Steamer Waverley occasionally visits Brodick. Brodick Castle Brodick Castle is located near the village of Brodick and is one of the finest castles in Scotland.

A fortress has been on the site since the fifth century, being destroyed or demolished and rebuilt several times. The present castle originates from 1588. Oliver Cromwell occupied the castle briefly and added some extensions. The Hamilton family acquired the castle shortly after. A picture of the castle appears on the back of twenty pound notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The Hamiltons made some major changes to the castle and became what it is today. Remarkable fact are the almost 90 heads of deer that were brought to the castle as a hunting trophy and can be found on the wall along the main stairs. In 1957, the Duchess of Montrose (daughter of the 12th Duke of Hamilton) gifted the castle to the nation, in order to avoid substantial inheritance tax liabilities on her death. The castle is now owned by the National Trust of Scotland. The castle is open to the public, as are the grounds. It is also home to the art collection of 18th century author William Beckford of Fonthill whose daughter married the 10th Duke of Hamilton.

One of the rooms is known as ‘Bruce’s Room’ but since the castle was all but destroyed in 1455 and 1544, it is unlikely that Robert the Bruce actually stayed in it. The gardens of Brodick Castle are very nice laid out and should be included in a visit to the castle. The castle is open daily from April to October 11am – 4.30pm. The Country Park is open all year round every day from 9.30am until sunset. Telephone: +44 1770 302202 / Fax: +44 1770 302312. There’s a licensed restaurant with outside terrace and souvenir shop. Goat Fell Goat Fell is the highest point on the Isle of Arran. At 874 metres (2867 ft), it is one of four Corbett’s on the island. The mountain, along with nearby Brodick Castle, is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

Due to the popularity of Arran, Goat Fell is a very popular peak and there are many possible routes of ascent, some of which may be combined with visits to the summits of other nearby peaks. The most commonly used route, a constructed path of just under 5 km in length, starts from near Brodick Castle in Cladach. Initially the path leads up through the forested grounds of the castle, passing many rhododendron bushes. Above 300 m above sea level the path leaves the forestry, and the route continues through bare moor land, reaching the summit by way of the east ridge of the mountain. There is a viewpoint table at the summit: on a clear day Ireland may be seen. Holy Island Holy Island is located in the Firth of Clyde off the west coast of central Scotland, inside Lamlash Bay. The island is around 3 kilometre (2 miles) long and around 1 km (around half a mile) wide. Its highest point is the hill Mullach Mor. The island has a long history as sacred site, with a spring said to have healing properties, the hermit cave of 6th Century monk Saint Molaise, and evidence of a 13th Century monastery.

A tour round the Island A trip around Arran is about 90 kilometres and can be done in 4 hours, depending of course on the amount of stops and a visit to Brodick Castle which is a must if you ask me. The castle and gardens are stunning and the view over Brodick Bay is phenomenal. For most travellers Lochranza or Brodick will be the start of the tour. I will start from Lochranza. Lochranza is a beautiful and very quiet little town on the north-west coast of Arran. On the A841 direction Brodick are the Arran Distillers Ltd. From the distillery the road winds its way up in Glen Chalmadale and drops again before the little villages of Mid Sannox and Corrie, tiny but very well maintained with ever changing views of the Firth of Clyde. Sannox is the location of a nine hole golf course. Corrie lies under the island’s highest mountain, Goatfell, and a path provides access to the hillside. From Corrie the road continues towards Brodick where Brodick Castle is located. Brodick is the main town/village on Arran and has shops and local services.

From Brodick the road continues to Margnaheglish which is situated on the beautiful Lamlash Bay. Here Holy Island is clearly visible and a little detour to Clauchlands Point is recommended. Continuing from Lamlash Bay you enter the South part of Arran where places like Knockenkelly and Kiskadale are located near Whiting Bay. The road now continues passing Kildonan Castle and past Bennan Head, the most Southerly tip of Arran. The name Kildonan derives from Saint Donan who is reputedly buried in the village. Early life in the village revolved around Kildonan Castle (sometimes referred to as Kildonan Tower). Once a royal seat, the castle passed hands between various Scottish nobles, before latterly belonging to the Hamilton family in 1544, by which time they were the Earls of Arran. The Tower was later sacked and burnt by the Earl of Sussex around 1558. Ruined remains of the building are still in existence. Close to Lagg and Corriecravie are chambered cairns, Mesolithic monuments from thousands of years ago.

The A841 now turns North towards Blackwaterfoot and Tormore. Tormore is located on the East coast and can be used as a starting point for a walk on the Machrie Moor, a relatively flat moor land and the home of several Standing Stones and Stone Circles. Impressive monuments against the backdrop of Beinn Tarsuinn and Goat Fell, with 874 meters the tallest mountain on Arran and the most easy one to climb, even for non experienced walkers. From the Machrie Moors the B880, or string road, takes you back to Brodick crossing the island from South West to north East. A beautiful drive passing An Tunna and great views of the Goat Fell when weather permits. Arran is a little paradise like island that has a lot to offer. Beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, impressive mountain ranges and lots of interesting history. Further Information: Goat Fell (Trad. Scottish) - Free Flute Sheet Music | flutetunes.com Free Flute Sheet Music There are no recordings for this tune yet. Submit yours !

Thursday 10 September 2015 Tune of the Day: Goat Fell Traditional Scottish strathspey This Scottish strathspey appears in the third volume of James Kerr's Merry Melodies collection, published around 1880. Goat Fell is the highest point on the Isle of Arran, the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. The name is believed to mean either ‛Mountain of Wind’ or ‛Goat Mountain’. Other Tunes in the same Categories Celtic Music: Top ten Scottish islands to see in spring (From HeraldScotland) Top ten Scottish islands to see in spring Skye / Nick Redmayne , Travel writer Scotland has almost 800 offshore isles and islets, and as days grow longer and the warmer sunshine of spring prevails we're reminded that remarkable landscapes are not exclusively a mainland preserve. Here's a list of ten notable Scottish islands for springtime consideration… Bass Rock: A brilliant white landmark just over a mile off the North Berwick coast, the steep slopes of The Bass, though today uninhabited by humans, receive pungent attention from 150,000 resident gannets - the world's largest single rock colony.

The Scottish Seabird Centre offers boat trips and guided tours of the nest sites. Loading article content Great Cumbrae: In the lower Firth of Clyde Cumbrae's mostly flat terrain is a haven for cyclists tired of contesting roadspace with cars and HGVs. Over 1,000 bikes are available for hire from the main town of Millport, and a leisurely nine mile loop takes in breathtaking coastal scenery, together with the woodlands and formal gardens of Britain's smallest cathedral, The Cathedral of the Isles. Isle of Arran: Off the Ayrshire coast, Goat Fell at 874m is the island's highest point, overlooking the castle and main village of Brodick. From the ferry jetty at Lochranza golden eagles are sometimes seen wheeling amongst lofty crags, whilst a more reliably dizzying encounter is on offer nearby courtesy of Arran's only distillery. Isle of Bute: A palm lined sea front is a clue that spring comes early to Bute. Head to the surprising red brick Neo-Gothic pile of Mount Stuart, seat of the Stuarts of Bute, which re-opens at the end of March.

Tours of the house are limited but a variety of gardens and bluebell-rich woodland grounds are yours to wander freely. Isle of Eigg: Despite a relaxed 'Eigg time' ethos, after an historic community buy-out in 1997 the energy of Eigg's inhabitants appears boundless. The world's first wind, water and solar power grid has been instigated; the population has grown, and unlike most other islands the proportion of younger residents has increased. Hike the slopes of An Sgurr, bike the quiet roads and tracks, or take to the water to kayak or sail. Isle of Jura: One road, one hotel and one heck of an Inner Hebrides wilderness. If the focus of your spring endeavour is to get away from it all, the wild mountains of the Paps of Jura are worthy of consideration. George Orwell visited Jura periodically in 1946 and it's even possible to rent remote Barnhill farmhouse where he stayed when writing his vision of a modern dystopia, 1984.

Isle of May: Site of Scotland's oldest bird observatory and notable for almost 250,000 seabirds nesting each year, including 120,000 puffins, resident grey seals are a further highlight of any visit to May. Off limits till 1st April, guided boat trips with landings run from Anstruther on the Fife coast. Isle of Mull: Stretch your legs by climbing Ben More's 965m after which, amongst the colourful harbour frontages of Tobermory, hearty dining indulgence is allowed. Coastal hikes include the white sand of Calgary Beach amongst atmospheric abandoned settlements and iron age forts. For birders the Mull Eagle Watch opens again late March, focusing on white-tailed eagles, Scotland's largest birds of prey, Isle of Skye: Spring sees the re-awakening of a lively cultural scene, music and theatre permeating out from Portree to many villages. However, the jagged peaks of the Cuillins need no fanfare. Home to 12 Munros, 11 summits are accessible to walkers, Sgurr Dearg being reserved for technical rock climbers.

Elsewhere, those intrigued by Scotland's reliably bloody history will be enraptured by the Museum of the Isles at Armadale Castle. Orkney: The 22nd March sees the spring equinox marked amongst the ancient standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. Rituals are performed in accordance with the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids but those of all faiths and none are invited to lend music and prose recitals. The ceremony concludes with the sharing of mead and honey cake, participants later regrouping at a local hostelry… This article has been produced in association with Gentle James Hikes Goat Fell, Isle of Arran - YouTube Gentle James Hikes Goat Fell, Isle of Arran Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Apr 26, 2015 Another Scottish adventure hiking the highest point on the Isle of Arran, Goat Fell.

This 2,886ft climb is not just a stroll. It will challenge you, make you work up a sweat! But the views from the top are totally worth it:) Category Scotland Island Hopping on the Inner Hebrides and Western Isles – Scotland Info Guide A Guide to the Scottish Highlands Islands and Mainland Scotland Island Hopping A guide to Scotland Island Hopping – or as Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) calls it, Island Hopscotch! Actually, not all of their Hopscotch tickets involve visiting islands, but it can be a fun way to travel. Also, CalMac ferries are not the only way to access some islands and in fact are not the only ferry operator, there are some other operators as well. Luskentyre Beach on Harris Once upon a time there were three ferries that took the visitor over the sea to Skye, although, before you all burst into song, we’re travelling from the mainland and the words refer to a certain Flora MacDonald taking Bonnie Prince Charlie, although he was known as Betty Burke that day, from Benbecula in the Western Isles back to Skye.

The ferries I am referring to left from Mallaig (the one I used), Kyle of Lochalsh (now replaced by that bridge) and Glenelg (summer only). Anyway, the journey from Mallaig takes about 30 minutes and the views can be stunning – to the southwest are the Small Isles, Eigg, Muck and Rum; to the south the white sands; east is Lochs Nevis and Hourn with the Knoydart peninsula sitting in between. Then there is also the Isle of Skye fast (for a ferry at least) approaching in the northwest and what an island it is. The rugged Cuillins dominate the landscape from many points, but there is so much more to see – and there are a couple more ferries that leave from Uig, on the Trotternish peninsula, ready to take you on the 2 hour journey across the Little Minch to Harris or North Uist! Once on the latter, it is possible to drive across Benbecula and on to South Uist, which to some make these all part of one island, so maybe Skye isn’t an island any more either?

Harris can also be reached by sailing from Ullapool to Lewis (a crossing of 3 hours) and then driving onto Harris as Harris and Lewis are in fact both parts of the same island! Small ferries also run from Mallaig visiting each of the Small Isles mentioned above as well as Canna and Muck. Travelling down the west coast of Scotland from Mallaig, the next major ferry port that is reached is Oban and there are a selection of sailings available here! The most obvious is Mull , the most northern island of the Southern Hebrides , with regular sailing from Oban itself to Craignure, which takes around 40 minutes. There are also ferries running between Fishnish and Lochaline in Morvern (15 minutes) and from Tobermory, which some will know better as Balamory, to Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsula (35 minutes). Ardnamurchan Point, on the tip of that peninsula, is the western most point on the British mainland. These two sailings offer a good alternative to driving as Mull is always worth a visit. Returning to Mull now, the island hopping doesn’t stop there.

In fact there are three more possibilities and one of the most favoured would have to be Iona . It’s a small island, but well over 100,000 people make their way there each year in a pilgrimage to the abbey, following in the footsteps of those that have followed the same journey, albeit with different forms of transport, for around 1500 years. Other islands it is possible to visit include Ulva & Gometra and the world famous Staffa , although sailing to the latter, let alone setting foot on the island, is dependant upon the weather! The Western Isles can also be reached from Oban with the main journey, to South Uist, taking around 5 hours and 20 minutes. A much shorter journey is the 50 minute sailing to the small island of Lismore, which sits in the mouth of Loch Linnhe. If you are looking for a journey that lasts a bit longer, although maybe not quite as long as the one to Lismore, there are two more options, each with their own hops beyond.

The first is the Isle of Coll , to the west of Mull, which takes around 2 hours 55 minutes, with a further hour between to its smaller neighbour, Tiree. On the Calmac ferry to Islay on a beautiful evening The other option is to travel to Colonsay , to the south of Mull, with this trip taking around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Colonsay is attached to its neighbour Oronsay at low tide, so a ferry is not required there, but on a Wednesday the ferry service continues to Port Askaig on Islay, taking just over 2 hours to reach the larger island further south! From Islay it is possible to hop over to Jura from Port Askaig, which takes 10 minutes, or to continue back to the mainland. This last option can be taken from Port Askaig on a Wednesday, completing the hop from Oban or from Port Ellen, with either journey taking approximately 2 hours 20 minutes to Kennacraig at the northern end of the Kintyre peninsula, otherwise known as the Mainland Island.

Two more islands accessed from Kintyre are Gigha , to the west, or Arran, to the east, with these journeys taking 20 and 30 minutes respectively. Arran is described as Scotland in miniature and with its mixture of higher ground to the north and relatively low-lying land to the south it is easy to see why. It is also more usually approached from the east, on a ferry that takes 1 hour to cross from Ardrossan on the Ayrshire coast to the island, landing at Brodick on the eastern side. As the ferry approached the town, Goat Fell, which is the highest point on the island, dwarfs Brodick Castle and offers a taste of what awaits the traveller. However, travelling from the island back onto the mainland allows for more island hopping opportunities. To the north of Ardrossan is Largs, yet another ferry port that offers a connection to the small island, known as Great Cumbrae, that site about a mile from shore. The smaller Little Cumbrae sits to the south of its larger partner.

Back on the mainland, there is another ferry point further north at Wemyss Bay with the ferry this time making a 35 minute crossing to Bute. This last named island sits close to the Cowal peninsula, separated by the 1 mile wide Kyles of Bute to the north of the island. This also marks our next potential crossing point, leaving the island and making the short hop back onto the mainland! Once on Cowal there are a couple of options for travelling if ferries are to be considered. First of all, on the eastern side of the peninsula, are Dunoon and Hunter’s Quay with ferries running from each to Gourock to the north of Wemyss Bay. On the western side of the peninsula, at Portavadie, there is a 20 minute crossing to Tarbert at the northern end of the Kintyre peninsula, which would neatly bring this section full circle! Calmac Ferry Hebridean Isles arrives at Colonsay from Oban However, returning to Gourock instead, a couple more ferries run from there. The first heads north to the Rosneath peninsula while the second heads northeast to Helensburgh. However, it should be noted that these are passenger only boats.

So, once more returning to the northern end of Kintyre, it is time to consider some of the other islands that can be visited. One, Davaar at the entrance to Campbeltown Loch, can be walked to at low tide. Another, Seil, can be driven onto over the Atlantic Bridge. Of course, some purists might not consider these to be islands! Arriving back on the Kintyre mainland at the northern end, it is worth taking the trip south to Campbeltown. From there it is possible, at low tide, to walk across to Davaar Island. The safe times for this journey are available in the Tourist Information, as are details of trips to Sanda off the southern coast. Davaar has an unusual attraction to offer the walker – a painting of the crucifixion in a cave on the southern side of the island. (This has been recently restored since an act of vandalism earlier this year.) The walk is across rocks so solid footwear is advisable! There is also a lighthouse at the northern end and from there Arran is usually easily spotted, especially as it is the largest island around.

Ferry arriving on the Isle of Gigha Even if the option is not taken to go to Sanda, driving to the southern tip of the peninsula is worthwhile as, on a clear day, the coast of Ireland is visible. Taking the road to the Mull of Kintyre is also recommended for the possible view of Rathlin Island, to the north of Ireland. A piece of advice for those that decide to walk down to the lighthouse – remember the return journey is uphill and cars are no longer allowed on the final stretch of road! Another island that can sometimes be seen from around this area is Ailsa Craig, a very distinctive dome shaped lump in the middle of the water! Now it is time to return to the northern end of Kintyre once more and continuing north on the road to Oban. For the next island to be visited a ferry will not be required as, like Skye, it is possible to drive to this one! Access to Seil is via the Atlantic Bridge although at this point, and especially at low tide, the Atlantic is not very wide. However, a bridge has been built and it would be a shame to ignore that!

Also, a trip to Seil allows two more hops to two more islands – Luing to the south Seil and Easdale to the west. The former and larger of the two has a car ferry, while the latter is accessed by a small boat. Just make sure you have money with you as the ferry man collects the fares on the return trip! Collectively, these three islands are known as the Slate Islands due to the fact that they are made of slate. This has been quarried extensively to provide roofing material for Scotland and beyond, including Nova Scotia! Slate also makes for good skimmers, flat rocks that are thrown across water in such a way that it (hopefully) skims, or more accurately bounces, across the surface. Chances are at the side of any body of calm water people will be seen taking part in this popular activity. So popular in fact there is even a World Championship that has taken place each year since 1997 – on Easdale, which also happens to be the smallest, permanently inhabited island off the coast of Scotland!

Calmac Ferry Routes in the West of Scotland Map courtesy of 25 things to do on and around the Scottish islands - The Scotsman 25 things to do on and around the Scottish islands View from Barra. Picture: TSPL Lindsey Johnstone Have your say Booking a package holiday to the sun is easy and quick but this could be the year that you discover what is on your doorstep? As our list below proves there’s plenty to be discovered on the natural gems that are Scotland’s islands. 1. The fact that people come to Skye from across the globe to visit The Three Chimneys restaurant says it all. New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni named it among his top five favourites in the world, and with a menu as heavy on local fish and seafood as you’d hope – including cod, monkfish and mullet, lobster, crab, scallops and prawns – plus wood pigeon, beef, venison and Scottish cheeses, and almost all the ingredients sourced on Skye itself, a meal here is a must on a trip to the island. Lamlash, Arran, with Goat Fell in the distance. Picture: TSPL 2.

Arran Aromatics luxe beauty products are inspired by and made on the island – at Home Farm, once the dairy farm for Brodick Castle – using essential oils and local ingredients and decanted into blue glass bottles inspired by apothecary relics seen on a trip to the Arran Museum. Swing by to stock up and you’ll also find handmade candles and traditional coal tar soaps wrapped in brown paper. 3. The An Lanntair arts centre on Lewis plays host to gigs, theatre, art exhibitions, movie showings and events including the Hebridean Book Festival and Hebridean Celtic Festival, with an emphasis on the island’s Gaelic cultural heritage, and also has a café, restaurant and bar open till the small hours. Upcoming events include The Stornoway Singers, alt-country duo My Darling Clementine and an exhibition of painter Mary Morrison’s work inspired by the Atlantic archipelago and a talk from the artist. 4. A tour of Islay’s whisky distilleries should be a day to remember, although you may well not.

Known as the greatest of the whisky-making islands, Islay is only 25 miles long but has no fewer than eight working distilleries – Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Bruichladdich, Lagavulin, Bowmore and Kilchoman. It is believed that Irish monks introduced the art of distillation to the island in the fourteenth century, prompted by its optimum whisky-making environment – excellent conditions for barley growing and a peat-covered terrain and exposure to sea spray that give the native single malts their famous smoky flavours with salty notes. 5. Fancy staying in your very own five-star spa? Whitefalls Spa Lodges on the Isle of Lewis, named after the nearby Easa Gheal waterfall, are luxury lodges each with its own private spa boasting a Riverbath with chromatherapy, walk-in rainfall shower, fitness equipment and an infra-red sauna, plus the option to pre-book treatments including reflexology, hot stone massage and aromatherapy. The self-catering lodges have wall-to-wall picture windows to fill the rooms with views of sea and sky and can be stocked with Champagne, chocolates, flowers and fruit on request. St.

Kilda 6. Follow in the footsteps of Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Nike, Céline and the QE2 and have something made to order using fabric you’ve chosen from Harris Tweed Hebrides . Wander the iconic textile brand’s shop and warehouse in Tarbert on Harris and give yourself over to the expert eyes of the staff on hand to help you choose from the floor-to-ceiling rolls of every colour, pattern and texture of tweed imaginable. Or if you prefer instant gratification, hit the shop floor and choose from the cornucopia of Harris Tweed items on offer – everything from jackets to iPad covers. 7. Eat oysters at Loch Fyne Oyster Bar at Clachan Farm at the mouth of the eponymous loch, founded in 1978 by a local landowner and a marine biologist and now the global gold-standard – you’ll find Loch Fyne Oysters in five-star hotels from New York to Hong Kong and at 30,000 feet in the first-class cabins of British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

If oysters aren’t your thing you’ll also find langoustines, smoked salmon, scallops and mussels on the menu and, going on past form, might even spot some celebrities over the seafood. 8. Take surfing lessons in Tiree , the most westerly of the Inner Hebrides and the Scottish island blessed with the best conditions on which to hang ten – its flat terrain and position out on the Atlantic Ocean make it windy, while the Gulf Stream keeps the waters warm. Low rainfall and among the highest hours of sunshine in the UK plus crystal waters, big waves and white sands further enable the Californian fantasy and there are several surf schools on the island catering for even absolute beginners, of any age. 9. The Callanish Standing Stones on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides were constructed between 2900 and 2600 BC and the layout is said to resemble a Celtic cross and to have been a prehistoric lunar observatory, while local folklore says that giants who lived on the island and refused to be converted to Christianity were turned into the stones as punishment.

The stones have made appearances in Disney Pixar’s Brave and on the cover of the Ultravox album Lament, and gave Dutch death metal band Callenish Circle their name. Tiree 10. The uninhabited archipelago of St Kilda lies 41 miles west of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides and is the most remote part of the British Isles and has the highest of its sea cliffs. The entire population of 36 was evacuated in 1930 at their own request, after crop failures and the depletion of the island’s population by the First World War and a bout of influenza made life there impossible. The departing islanders left an open Bible and a small pile of oats in each house, locked all the doors and at 7am boarded the ship that would take them to their new homes at Morvern on the mainland. The island is now a seabird breeding colony and one of Scotland’s five Unesco World Heritage Sites, although its lost world lives on not just in the poignant sight of its abandoned houses, but in Gaelic-language opera St Kilda: A European Opera, various short films and documentaries and even a Runrig song – Edge of the World.

Boat trips to St Kilda depart from Uig and Leverburgh and you can camp on the island (with permission from the National Trust for Scotland) for up to five nights. 11. The legendarily raucous Mull Sevens are known as “the world’s most sociable,” which, as anyone who’s been to Hong Kong for the rugby will know, is quite an accolade. Named by The Scotsman as the second-best sevens tournament in the world after Melrose, and ahead of Hong Kong, Twickenham and Jedforest, it can also lay a claim to being the most enlightened, being the first to include women’s teams. The seemingly unlikely history of rugby on Mull was borne of its previous lack of a secondary school, meaning local children attended mainland high schools and brought back the rugby they played there back with them. The 29th Mull Sevens took place on 24 May, so while that ship may have sailed this year, the 30th anniversary in 2015 will be one not to be missed. 12. It’s well known that the Isle of Arran is Scotland’s landscape in miniature, making Goat Fell its Ben Nevis.

The highest point on the island, it’s a climb of 2,876 ft but the most popular route is just three miles in length and on a clear day you can see all the way to Ireland. The mountain also provided Arran with its grisliest headlines, when in 1889 the body of London clerk Edwin Rose was discovered on it . He was last seen alive on the mountain two weeks prior, and the day after the sighting his climbing companion John Watson Laurie was spotted wearing Rose’s clothes. Police found Laurie hiding in a Lanarkshire quarry with an open razor in his hands saying he had intended to kill himself that night. The killing had captured the public imagination and police had to impose order on the throngs around news vendors when the news came that Laurie had been found guilty of murder. A date for his hanging was fixed but the closeness of the jury’s verdict saw legal authorities commute the sentence to life imprisonment – although it was suggested by some English newspapers that Laurie escaped the noose because his victim was an Englishman. 13. The holy island of Iona is a place of pilgrimage, so a visit to St Columba’s shrine is only right.

St Columba himself arrived from Ireland in AD563 and founded the monastery that bears his name, which attracted pilgrims from the 7th century onwards. All that remains of it now is the vallum that enclosed it and the “hill of the abbot” where Columba is believed to have died in 597. The tiny stone chapel that is St Columba’s shrine dates from the 9th century, and sits by the entrance to the 13th century Iona Abbey – where kings including Macbeth and his victim Duncan are buried – that now stands on the site of the original church. Callanish 14. When not inventing malted drinks, Sir James Horlick was planting rhododendrons at Achamore Gardens on the Isle of Gigha – 54 acres filled with a riotous rainbow of rare and exotic plants that flourish thanks to the island’s mild microclimate, sheltered as it is from the Atlantic in the Inner Hebrides.

Peacocks wander among azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and species from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and the Andes including Montezuma pines and Southern rātā – and so can you, a mere 20-minute ferry ride from Kintyre. Achamore House has another claim to fame; Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a trainee at the Glasgow architectural firm which built the manor house – see if you can spot any of his trademarks. 15. Go back in time at the Bute promenade , a classic Victorian seafront which saw a golden era of tourism in the 19th century thanks to its easy accessibility from the Central Belt. Bute is renowned for its grand architecture, most notably the Neo-Gothic Mount Stuart House, which dates from 1877, contains what was the world’s first indoor heated pool, was the first house in Scotland to be lit by electricity and in 2003 was the setting for Stella McCartney’s wedding.

The 1938 Art Deco Rothesay Pavilion houses a concert hall while the Winter Gardens by Rothesay pier, built in 1924, are now home to the tourist centre and a cinema. Bute must also be one of the few places in which a trip to a public toilet is on the tourist trail – the perfectly preserved Victorian Toilets, built in 1899, are a few steps from the pier and a must-see. 16. Arran has emerged as a foodie destination, boasting a whisky distillery , a brewery , a creamery , a chocolatier , a smokehouse, three cheese producers and an island baker specialising in oatcakes.

Take your taste buds on a tour, making sure to hit The Island Cheese Shop at Home Farm where you’ll find Crowdie, Arran Camembert and an Arran Blue which won Gold at the World Cheese Awards (we also recommend the cheddar with crushed stem ginger); the Arran Chocolate Factory where you can watch the chocolates being made by hand before buying and inhaling them; Creelers Smokehouse for fish dried with sea salt and dark molasses sugar and smoked over Arran Scotch Pine and wood shavings from old whisky barrels, and craft bakery Wooleys of Arran for world-famous oatcakes fired in antique ovens. 17. Walk on Eigg shells on the most populous of the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides. A geological gem, the island is as a result a shell collector’s paradise, particularly at Galmisdale Bay , while the Singing Sands is a beach that has to be heard to be believed – the pure quartz sands emit musical squeaks when crushed underfoot. 18. Go on safari in Barra – with a snorkel.

The island’s white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are home to a diverse range of sea life which you can explore on an underwater expedition with Barra Snorkel Safari , who will guide you over seabeds and reefs in deep or shallow waters, even giving you the chance to try and catch some razor clams for your dinner. 19. With 15 per cent of the UK’s freshwater surface area on the islands, the Uists are acknowledged among the best wild trout and salmon fishing spots in Europe. North Uist Estate and South Uist Estate manage almost all the lochs and rivers. Both offer great sea trout fishing, in estuaries, lochs and rivers. The 800 lochs of South Uist and Benbecula offer the best wild brown trout and sea trout fishing while North Uist Estate is one of the few places in Scotland that provides sea trout, salmon and brown trout fishing. 20. The Scottish islands are a photographer/postcard seller’s dream and chances are if you’re planning a trip to any of them, you’ve ogled images of sunsets over white sands and wildlife that could star in an inspirational meme.

Just think how much more satisfying an experience this would be if you’d taken the pictures yourself, and then book a photography course – the perfect way to see the islands and bring home the best souvenirs. Try Islandscape Photography on Mull and Tom Mackie Images on Lewis and Harris for starters. 21. Horse riding on the beach is a bucket list cliché for good reason – tick it off yours on the Kintyre peninsula, which is well-known for offering riding opportunities for novices and equestrians alike, as well as for Paul McCartney’s favourite beach (which you’ll find at Saddell – no pun for the pony trekkers intended – on the eastern side). Barrglen Equitation Centre , one of many on Kintyre, has been going since 1997, is set on a 5,000-acre sheep farm, and offers lessons for all levels, holidays and even B’n’B for horses if you want to bring your own. 22. Read (or watch) Whisky Galore then have a dram in the real-life pub that reaped the benefits of the islanders’ legendary raid – The Politician on Eriskay , which is also the only pub on the island.

The SS Politician ran aground off the island in 1941, depositing its cargo of whisky and thus providing the islanders who raided the wreck with a free supply in the midst of wartime rationing, when they had almost run out of the water of life. Compton Mackenzie’s novel Whisky Galore based on the incident, and adapted into the Ealing Comedy of the same name, is also a good examination of Hebridean life and includes a glossary of Gaelic terms used and a guide to pronunciation and the local accent. 23. Sign up for sailing school and experience the islands from the water. Learn the skills of the high seas, spot dolphins along the way and drop anchor for lunch. Sail Scotland has information on Royal Yachting Association-accredited sailing classes – and yacht charter if that sounds like a little too much effort – around Scotland, including Oban, Badachro, Portree and Ardvasar on Skye. 24.

Visit the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse on the most northerly point of the most northerly of the Hebridean islands and face the wrath of the Atlantic at what feels like the edge of the world and is, as such unsurprisingly, officially the windiest place in the UK. The 37-metre red brick lighthouse, with 168 steps to the top of the tower, was built in 1862 by David and Thomas Stevenson – father of one Robert Louis. The light was lit with paraffin until 1976, when it went electric, and is fixed, with the lens revolving around it to give the flashing effect every five seconds. 25. The Scottish islands boast beaches that are among the most beautiful you will see anywhere and the west and south of Harris’s are the best of the best – the swathes of white sand lapped by jade waters at Scarista, Borve, Horgabost, Seilebost and Luskentyre will make you feel like you’ve overshot the UK and ended up in the Caribbean.

Question: On which Scottish island is Goat Fell the highest point?
Answer: ARRAN